Mr. Johnson said he wanted to ask the Queen if he could dedicate the award to the memory of the 59,000 bomber command personnel who died in World War Two.

I think the MBE is as much honour as I could really expect and I thought, if a knighthood comes up, I'm going to having difficulty not only in accepting it but pointing out to all and sundry that it's not me.

I'm the lucky one. I'm still alive. I'm representing the squadron and it is the squadron that is being honoured with this, not me.

In fact, I got to the stage where I felt that I would have to ask - probably the Queen, if necessary - if I might be permitted to dedicate it to the memory of the now 59,000 bomber command personnel that gave their lives during World War Two and have got little or no respect for that."

– 'Johnny' Johnson, Dambuster

Carol Vorderman. Credit: PA Images

Carol Vorderman said she was 'thrilled' Johnson had finally received the honour he deserved:

I'm thrilled that wonderful Johnny Johnson has been recognised with an MBE. If Johnny is happy, then I'm happy too - he is a remarkable man and friend.

I've seen Johnny working hard to celebrate remembrance with our Air Cadets and many other young people.
The respect we have for him and for his colleagues in Bomber Command who gave their lives without question for the freedoms we have since enjoyed, that respect knows no bounds.
Hundreds of thousands of us signed a petition so that Johnny could be recognised in this Honours List and it seems our voices were heard, so thank you to whomever was involved in that decision. I hope we can party hard in the coming weeks."

– Carol Vorderman

The last British dambuster, George 'Johnny' Johnson. Credit: PA Images

The pensioner, who lives in Bristol, is now one of only two survivors to take part in the legendary bombing raids on the Mohne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The other is Canadian former front gunner Fred Sutherland.

133 men took part in the raids aboard 19 Lancaster bombers carrying specially adapted 'bouncing' bombs.

53 men were killed and 3 were captured but Mr Johnson said he was doing what he joined up for - to hit back at Hitler.